In Britain, we have been celebrating the Harvest Festival since Pagan times. Translating the title, the word 'Harvest' derives from the Pagan word 'Haerfest', which literally translates to 'Autumn'. The church festival, that is the closest to our celebration today originated in Morwenstow, Cornwall, in 1843.
Nowadays, we tend to celebrate the festival with traditional hymns, decorating churches with baskets of fruit, fairs, and Michaelmas. Lammas Festival is also celebrated in the UK by making corn dollies, baking Lammas bread, bundling twigs, and feasting with family and friends.
The UK hosts some pretty amazing Harvest Festivals, we have picked a selection of three across the country that can be included in your next autumnal group holiday here:
- Harvest Festival at Chiltern Open Air Theatre
Enjoy a traditional Harvest Festival at Chiltern Open Air Theatre, nestled in the Chiltern Hills. A wonderful showcase will delight the senses with views, sounds and smells of the harvest past. With harvest themed activities, fresh harvest produce, BBQ food, folk music and the museum's restored 1947 threshing machine processing the yearly wheat crop, the festival is the perfect autumnal excursion.
- Harvest Season at Canons Ashby
A beautiful, Elizabethan National Trust property in Northamptonshire, Canons Ashby celebrates Harvest each year with Morris dancing, natural decorations in the church and house, traditional games and activities, and a selection of stall holders. There is also an Autumn Creature Trail, or try your luck at finding all seven field mice in the house!
- Harvest Festival at Tatton Park
Tatton Park in Knutsford has a lovely selection of Harvest festivities at the park. There is a steam engine, scarecrow making, spinning, corn doll crafts, sheep racing, woodturning demonstrations, and a brass band playing live music. Set in a historic estate with a splendid Tudor hall, Tatton Park is another National Trust property that is a delight to visit.
If you would be interested in any of these Harvest Festivals for your next group holiday, please contact us here.
